As the center prepares for the holidays, the need for blood and platelet donations is greatly needed while frequent donors go on vacation, the center said in a news release.

"When you donate blood or platelets, you save a life," said Dr. Samantha Gomez Ngamsuntikul, STBTC associate medical director. "Your donation can help patients affected in emergencies, cancer patients who rely on regular transfusions, or trauma victims. We want to show appreciation to all of our blood donors who support our communities."

Though all blood types are needed, the center is especially encouraging individuals with type O-negative or O-positive blood to donate.